Boss Techie

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are essential for online privacy and security. But how do you know your VPN connection is working properly and keeping your data safe? There are several ways to test VPN connections to ensure maximum performance and security.

Testing your VPN is quick and easy. It brings peace of mind that your browsing activity is truly encrypted and anonymous. Read on to learn the best methods for putting your VPN through its paces.

Why Test Your VPN?

There are a few important reasons to properly test your VPN connection:

• Verify the VPN is encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP address.
• Check for DNS or WebRTC leaks that could expose your identity.
• Confirm you can access blocked streaming sites and other geo-restricted content.
• Identify any speed or reliability issues impacting browsing.
• Ensure your VPN works securely across all your devices.

Regular testing gives you confidence your VPN is working as advertised. It also flags any vulnerabilities or problems to address.

6 Ways To Test VPN Connections

Here are the top 6 recommended methods to thoroughly test your VPN:

Check Your Public IP Address

One of the main purposes of a VPN is to mask your real public IP address. To validate this:

• Connect to your VPN server on your test device
• Visit a site like IPLookup.net or WhatIsMyIPAddress.com
• This will show your apparent public IP with the VPN active
• Now disconnect from the VPN and refresh the page
• You should see a different IP that matches your true location

If your IP address remains hidden while connected, your VPN is successfully anonymizing your connection.

Perform A DNS Leak Test

DNS requests can expose your identity despite using a VPN. Check for leaks at DNSLeakTest.com. It will warn you if DNS queries are bypassing your VPN’s encryption. Additionally, if you’re experiencing issues with TiviMate not working, be sure to investigate potential DNS leaks to ensure your VPN’s protection is functioning correctly..

Check For Webrtc Leaks

WebRTC is another component that could leak your real IP. Browserleaks.com tests for WebRTC and other privacy gaps to ensure your VPN blocks them.

Verify Encryption With Wireshark

Wireshark is a network analysis tool that inspects data packets. With your VPN enabled, it should only show unidentifiable encrypted data streams. This proves the VPN is encrypting properly.

Test Geolocation And Geo-Blocking

Connect to VPN servers in different countries to get Get Unbanned From Gorilla Tag and check that sites like Google and Netflix display content matching that location. Many streaming sites also confirm the country you are connecting from.

Measure VPN speeds

Speed tests like Fast.com or Speedtest.net check for speed drops over your VPN. Check multiple locations at different times of day to get a balanced view of VPN performance.

Running through these validation checks ensures a VPN service lives up to its security and privacy promises. Make them part of your regular VPN maintenance routine.

What To Look For In Testing VPN App Features

As well as network-level checks, verify the VPN app you use works right:

General app testing:

• Clean, responsive interface without glitches or errors.
• Quick connect and disconnect times for the VPN.
• Easy server switching in the app.
• Reliable notifications when VPN connects and disconnects.

Feature testing:

• No activity logging confirmed through settings.
• Kill switch blocks internet when VPN drops out.
• Split tunneling correctly configured for chosen apps.
• App-level ad and malware blocking working properly.
• Advanced options like port forwarding function as expected.

Account testing:

• Correct number of allowed simultaneous connections.
• Available servers match your subscription plan.
• Your account login works across desktop and mobile.

Customer support testing:

• Live chat, email and contact forms work properly.
• Support team replies are swift, knowledgeable and helpful.
• Resources like setup guides are available in the VPN app and site knowledge base.

This validates the VPN provider delivers a good private networking experience beyond the bare security essentials.

When Should You Test Your VPN?

Make it a habit to test VPN connections in these situations:

• When setting up a new VPN app – Test across devices to confirm smooth performance before relying on it.
• If experiencing connection problems – Full testing can identify where the issue lies.
• After software updates – New firmware or app versions can sometimes introduce connection bugs.
• If switching VPN protocols – For example moving from OpenVPN to Wireguard. Test to check speeds and leaks.
• When using new public wi-fi – Probe the network for threats and verify VPN encryption.
• After changing the VPN server – Switching locations can alter performance and reliability.
• Periodically as maintenance – Regular short tests reveal any creeping issues.

Top Tips For Secure And Private VPN Connections

Beyond testing and troubleshooting your VPN, keep these tips in mind:

• Only use trustworthy VPN providers who can verify their security claims.
• Check independent audits and transparency reports from your VPN company.
• Always use the latest VPN protocol available like Wireguard or IKEv2/IPsec.
• Enable the VPN app kill switch and DNS leak protection features.
• Use a VPN on every device including smartphones and tablets.
• Connect to VPN automatically when joining public wi-fi hotspots.
• Never browse without being protected by your VPN.

Following best practices combined with periodic testing keeps your VPN secure and performing well.

How Often Should I Test My VPN?

Light testing every month or two is recommended, with more extensive checks every 6 months. Any time you change VPN server or encounter connectivity problems, test again to isolate the cause.

What’s The Easiest Way To Check My VPN IP address?

Simply search “what is my IP address” on Google to reveal your current public IP with the VPN active. Compare it to your IP without the VPN to confirm it is different.

Can I Use Speed Test Sites To Check My VPN?

Yes, tools like Fast.com and Speedtest.net are useful for measuring any VPN speed impact versus your raw internet speeds without a VPN.

Conclusion

The only way to know your VPN is truly working as intended is by thorough and regular testing. Quick checks like examining your public IP address, assessing speeds and confirming encryption require minimal effort. Running through VPN connection tests protects against creeping issues or misconfigurations that undermine privacy and security. Make it part of your routine to validate essential VPN functionality, across protocols, locations and devices. Along with adhering to sound VPN practices, testing gives you assurance your web browsing and other internet activity remains anonymous and secure.